Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Defence, represented by Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe,
Hon. David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion,
Hon. Albert Tawanda Mavunga, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works,
Hon. Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training,
Hon. Members of the ZANU-PF Politburo and other comrades of ZANU-PF,
Hon. Webster Shamu, Chairman of the Parliamentary Zimbabwe-China Friendship Association, and other members of the Association,
Permanent Secretaries and Senior Government officials,
Mr. Moses Chihobvu, Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services,
- Remarks by H.E. Zhou Ding at the Reception in Celebration of 98th Anniversary of founding of PLA
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Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, Director General of the president Department,
Senior Officers from Zimbabwe Defence Forces,
Excellencies, Members of Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon!
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Chinese Embassy as we celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). On this special occasion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to our Defence Attache, Senior Colonel Wang Zhenyu for his remarks and his outstanding work in deepening military-to-military ties between China and Zimbabwe since his arrival. Please join me in giving him another round of applause. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Defence of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, various Zimbabwean government agencies, and all those who have contributed to our bilateral ties and our military-to-military relations.
August 1st—Our revered Bayi Festival— marks the revolutionary dawn of the People’s Liberation Army, born from the flames of the 1927 Nanchang Uprising. This defining moment forged a military force of the people, by the people, and for the people—an army whose legacy of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering loyalty has safeguarded China’s sovereignty and shaped its destiny for 98 years. Today, the PLA stands as the indomitable guardian of our national security, a beacon of patriotism that inspires our people to cherish our hard-won sovereignty, uphold the Chinese path to modernization, and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
This year holds profound significance for our military forces and for China, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in both China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Across 14 grueling years, China waged a heroic struggle against brutal fascist invasion, making pivotal contributions to the ultimate triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. This victory stands as eternal testament to a universal truth: that unity can conquer darkness and justice shall prevail.
The lessons resonate far beyond China’s borders—they echo in Zimbabwe’s own struggle for liberation and in every nation’s quest for dignity. Today, as unilateralism and protectionism resurge, our shared legacy compels us to defend multilateralism, uphold equity, and build a world worthy of the sacrifices of our forebears. The Global Security Initiative (GSI), proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2022, embodies a vision we deeply share with Zimbabwe: resolving conflicts through dialogue, advancing peace through cooperation, and building a world free from conflict and strife. Amid unprecedented global challenges, China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe and all peace-loving nations to create an inclusive, balanced security architecture for our collective future. And hand in hand, we will champion an equal and orderly multipolar world while advancing inclusive, mutually beneficial economic globalization.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year also marks the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic ties—a milestone that reflects not only decades of brotherly solidarity but also our shared commitment to global peace, justice, and common prosperity. The China-Zimbabwe Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation stands as a model for international relations — anchored in equality, fortified by mutual respect, and energized by win-win cooperation. As Zimbabwe advances on its path toward industrialization and the realization of Vision 2030, China will remain its most reliable and steadfast partner — today, tomorrow, and for all the years to come.
Thank you. Tatenda. Siyaboga!
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is now my privilege to introduce to you, our Guest of Honour: Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, representing Minister of Defence, Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. Please join me in welcoming Air Marshal Jacob Nzvede as he takes the podium.
